Mother Nature's pendulum swings

What a difference a year can make. Last year, planters were rolling like crazy after an early start and warm conditions. Now, farmers are waiting out the polar opposite; wet, cool weather -- though a blessing in some areas -- has prevented farmers from getting much, if any, corn planted yet.

Wednesday's USDA reports -- typically a driver for grain prices after their release -- did steer prices for a while, but the focus turned sharply back to crop weather in the Plains and Midwest. In the former region, the winter wheat crop's freezing while farmers in the latter area are fighting ongoing rainfall and cool temperatures. The rain's still needed in some spots, but the trend is generally one whose end farmers would welcome. Check out some of the latest news and discussion on Mother Nature's early spring tantrum.